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Some statistics on truck accidents

Delivery trucks, shipping trucks and heavy-duty construction trucks remain an integral part of American commerce and transportation. But while trucks are a daily necessity, they also cause a huge number of fatalities and injuries on the road. Trucks are larger than passenger vehicles, with some semi-trucks reaching 20 to 30 times the weight of the average car. This makes them a deadly but necessary part of the road.

The Insurance Institution for Highway Safety compiles data on truck accidents to try to understand the causes of the accidents and recommend policy goals to reduce them. This article will go through the numbers and what they mean for road safety.

First, why are trucks so dangerous? With their large size, they can take anywhere from 20 to 40 percent longer to stop. Slick roads or bad weather further reduce their brake capacity. They are also very tall, which means smaller vehicles can be pulled under and crushed beneath them. In short, trucks are large mechanical beasts that easily run right over most passenger vehicles and the numbers reflect that.

In 2014, 68 percent of all truck fatalities were passenger vehicle occupants and 15 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. Only 15 percent were truck drivers themselves. The data show that truckers are safe within their cabins but everyone else is at risk.

The data also studies the causes of accidents. The recent trend has shown a slight increase in accidents due to driver fatigue. Federal law limits truck drivers to no more than 11 hours per day for a seven-day workweek. But it appears, according to recent studies, that many truck drivers violate this provision. Tired drivers make mistakes, lose focus and cost lives.

If you were hit by a truck, you may have an actionable claim for personal injury and you may want to consult with a lawyer. You were the victim, so you shouldn't have to pay for your own medical bills and other expenses associated with the crash. An attorney can help you deal with insurance companies, businesses and liability policies to get the compensation you deserve.